Mass Youth Soccer Parent/Guardian/Spectator Code of Conduct

Watching our children play any sport is an enjoyable experience. Recently, however, inappropriate conduct by a few parents and spectators around the nation has become a problem for youth sports. To create a safe playing environment, Mass Youth Soccer has implemented this Parent/Guardian/Spectator Code of Conduct:

1. Do not force your child to participate in sports.

2. Applaud good plays; don’t dwell on bad plays. Children play sports to have fun, make new friends, and learn new skills.

3. Children imitate their parents. If you are disruptive or act inappropriately, your child, and possibly others, will act in a similar fashion.

4. The sidelines are not a place to shout personal instructions. Encouragement from the sidelines is appreciated, coaching from the spectator sidelines is forbidden. A good rule to follow when you cheer/yell/shout is, “No verbs!”

5. There is more to life than soccer. Encourage your child to participate in other activities.

6. Respect the coach’s decision and abilities. Don’t force your child to decide whether to listen to you or to the coach. 

7. Stress fair and sensible play. Soccer is a contact sport, let the officials determine fair or foul play

8. Promote the long-term importance of practice over the short-term excitement of matches.

9. Promote the importance of teamwork.

10. Never lose sight of the fact that you are a role model.

11. The other team is the opponent, not the enemy. Treat all with respect.

12. Mistakes are a part of the learning process for everyone. Positive reinforcement goes a long way.

13. Take time to learn the rules of the match and the policies of the club and league.